Australia's Big Wet - stay indoors and be alert (Updates and General guidelines)

2017-12-01, NV

‘The big wet’, as it is being referred to has hit Australia’s southern regions.

SA was drenched overnight on Thursday, and Melbourne experienced its first showers early Friday morning. The rain is expected to hit Canberra in the afternoon. Sydney should be spared today but rainfall is expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Victoria to be hit worst:

The worst to be hit by the rain is the state of Victoria and some parts have already reported heavy rainfall. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe warning for the northern part of the state.

Melbourne:

Showers in Melbourne began early Friday morning around 5:30 a.m. Although torrential downpour as expected by BOM is yet to hit Melbourne, continuous rain has already started flooding streets and roads.

Roads in the Melbourne suburbs of Coburg and Pascoe Vale are underwater as forecasters warn of a possible “significant flooding event”.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) upped the possible upper amount of rain that could fall in Melbourne over the next five days from 150mm to 200mm and warned rainfall records could be broken in parts of the state.

CBD offices closing Early:

In Melbourne, authorities have warned the public to stay away from the city due to its proneness to flash flooding, especially in the Southbank area. Many offices closed Friday midday, or have asked people to work from home.

General Guidelines:

Stay indoors and be alert.

Stay off the road, and if you must drive do not drive through flood water at any cost. Flood waters are very risky with chances of flash floods.

Stay away from rivers and avoid outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking.

Stay away from rivers. If you live close to one, be alert of its water level.